Introduction
Cooking potatoes in a crock pot is a simple, hands-off method that yields soft, fluffy potatoes with minimal effort. Wrapping them in foil helps retain moisture and makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re prepping baked potatoes for a crowd or looking for an easy side dish, this slow-cooked method guarantees perfectly tender results every time.
Ingredients
4 to 6 medium russet potatoes (or any potato variety you prefer)
Olive oil or butter (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, onion powder, or seasoning blend (optional)
Aluminum foil
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Chopped green onions
Crumbled bacon
Butter
Chives
Instructions
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel.
Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Optional: Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.
Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil, sealing tightly.
Place the foil-wrapped potatoes into the crock pot. No need to add water.
Cover and cook on:
Low for 7 to 8 hours
OR High for 4 to 5 hours
Cook times may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes.
Check for doneness by piercing with a fork — it should go in easily with no resistance.
Unwrap carefully (they’ll be hot and steamy) and serve with desired toppings.
Description
These foil-wrapped crock pot potatoes turn out tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked with zero fuss. Wrapping them in foil keeps them moist while cooking, and the slow, steady heat ensures they cook evenly throughout. Ideal for meal prepping, parties, or simply getting dinner on the table with minimal work.
Tips
Use similarly sized potatoes so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the crock pot; air circulation helps even cooking.
For crispier skins, unwrap and broil the potatoes for 5–10 minutes after cooking.
Add a pinch of rosemary or garlic powder before wrapping for added flavor.
Variations
Sweet Potatoes: Use the same method for sweet potatoes; they may cook slightly faster.
Loaded Potatoes: Slice open and stuff with toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions after cooking.
Herb-Butter Packs: Add a pat of herb butter inside the foil before cooking for a rich, aromatic flavor.
Breakfast Style: Slice cooked potatoes, pan-fry, and top with eggs and cheese.
Correction
If your potatoes are:
Undercooked: They likely need more time. Choose smaller potatoes or increase cooking time by 30–60 minutes.
Watery or over-steamed: Avoid adding any liquid to the crock pot and ensure each potato is sealed well in foil.
Unevenly cooked: Use uniform-sized potatoes and rotate them halfway through cooking if necessary.
Enjoy
Whether you’re preparing them as a hearty side dish or loading them up as the main event, foil-wrapped crock pot potatoes are a reliable, hands-off way to enjoy classic baked potatoes with minimal cleanup. Just unwrap, fluff, top, and dig in.